FFL - Need some direction from those who hold current FFL

[The_Busy_Mom]

My husband and I are considering starting up an FFL to be based from our home. I would like to know if there are any current FFL holders who have gone through this procedure and would be willing to help us out via advice and wisdom. I am very familiar with the ATF website, have downloaded the application, and have been researching for the last several weeks. I know about record keeping, and following the laws, but I am looking for some comprehensive information/literature (or someone's compiled list) of things that need to be done to pass for an initial license. For example, where do I find the specifics on how the room in our home needs to be set up in order to comply with ATF guidelines? And the application has a space for business hours. Somewhere I read that the ATF investigator will be looking for these hours to be 'posted'. How am I supposed to know exactly what the investigator is looking for? It's not on any checklist that I can find (and I am VERY research/computer saavy). These are just a few issues; where is a comprehensive listing of all the aspects of putting together a FFL home business - I am NOT purchasing a kit!! Also, I feel that we are going to be running into a problem with our HOA deed restrictions. While scouring the web and this forum, I found this post from a previous TexasCHLForum member who has since passed away:

You can run a business out of your home.

In Houston your biggest problem will be getting around deed restrictions (as was my issue). I most of the Houston area zoning is not an issue.

The process was sligthly time consuming but not difficult.

I found the interview with the ATF to be easier than dealing with my HOA regarding deed resrictions.

If you are interested in how I got around my HOA pm me as I do not want to post details but, I think that in most cases it will work with all HOA's.

Can someone enlighten me as to what the 'get around' is for the HOA? Anyone who would be willing to give some advice and wisdom would be greatly appreciated - I will in turn pay it forward one day in the future. Thanks in advance!

The Busy Mom

[Wodathunkit]

Sorry not an FFL, but I have a question for you, I watched the "kit" video. Is there a reason you didn't go that direction?

[RottenApple]

My husband and I are considering starting up an FFL to be based from our home. I would like to know if there are any current FFL holders who have gone through this procedure and would be willing to help us out via advice and wisdom. I am very familiar with the ATF website, have downloaded the application, and have been researching for the last several weeks. I know about record keeping, and following the laws, but I am looking for some comprehensive information/literature (or someone's compiled list) of things that need to be done to pass for an initial license. For example, where do I find the specifics on how the room in our home needs to be set up in order to comply with ATF guidelines? And the application has a space for business hours. Somewhere I read that the ATF investigator will be looking for these hours to be 'posted'. How am I supposed to know exactly what the investigator is looking for? It's not on any checklist that I can find (and I am VERY research/computer saavy). These are just a few issues; where is a comprehensive listing of all the aspects of putting together a FFL home business - I am NOT purchasing a kit!! Also, I feel that we are going to be running into a problem with our HOA deed restrictions. While scouring the web and this forum, I found this post from a previous TexasCHLForum member who has since passed away:

You can run a business out of your home.

In Houston your biggest problem will be getting around deed restrictions (as was my issue). I most of the Houston area zoning is not an issue.

The process was sligthly time consuming but not difficult.

I found the interview with the ATF to be easier than dealing with my HOA regarding deed resrictions.

If you are interested in how I got around my HOA pm me as I do not want to post details but, I think that in most cases it will work with all HOA's.

Can someone enlighten me as to what the 'get around' is for the HOA? Anyone who would be willing to give some advice and wisdom would be greatly appreciated - I will in turn pay it forward one day in the future. Thanks in advance!

The Busy Mom

Did you send neal6325 a PM on the subject? There may be reasons he doesn't want to publicly post the details.

[RX8er]

Did you send neal6325 a PM on the subject? There may be reasons he doesn't want to publicly post the details.

That is a good question and maybe you missed that part of her post that answers the question:

While scouring the web and this forum, I found this post from a previous TexasCHLForum member who has since passed away:

Here's the topic:
viewtopic.php?f=43&t=58412&p=717279&hil ... th#p717279" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RX8er]

Sorry not an FFL, but I have a question for you, I watched the "kit" video. Is there a reason you didn't go that direction?

Thanks for the response. One step at a time right now. If the HOA has a business clause in the bylaws, no sense in spending the $40 to order the kit. Violating the bylaws is a no go, which the ATF seems to research while completing the inspections.

[RottenApple]

Did you send neal6325 a PM on the subject? There may be reasons he doesn't want to publicly post the details.

That is a good question and maybe you missed that part of her post that answers the question:

While scouring the web and this forum, I found this post from a previous TexasCHLForum member who has since passed away:

Here's the topic:
viewtopic.php?f=43&t=58412&p=717279&hil ... th#p717279" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yep. Sure did.

[Salty1]

The ATF will require a signed letter of approval from the HOA that they understand and acknowledge that a firearms business will be located within the HOA jursidiction. First step is to find out if they have approved any other business....

[RX8er]

Thanks Salty.... We have written our letter to the HOA and will send it certified after MLK day. Our HOA is not about "no business" it's more about not wanting a retail type of establishment or folks visiting the house for business purposes. We have several residents who operate their business from their home an din one case, I visited one, at their home, to look at samples. So, we have some background.

[05RKClass]

We went through the same issue while applying for our FFL. We initially wanted a smaller operation with a limited and scheduled clientele. I was planning on doing more specialized items and Class III stuff with a particular crowd. We went to the HOA meeting and proposed our intentions. They where a bit apprehensive at first, but when we indicated our traffic would be extremely limited they finally agreed. Our wonderful HOA even gave us a letter to submit to the BATFE!!

Just when we thought we were golden... The legalese in the letter didn't meet the BATFE requirements. The BATFE wanted the letter to indicated that we could have customers come by our place of business. The HOA frowned heavily on the blanket statement of "open for business" and would not write another letter. They indicated that the first letter was as far as they were willing to go. The problem is the customer traffic not the business itself. There are several businesses in our HOA's area, but they are consulting, website design, etc. and not a firearm dealer.

We ended up getting a small office to conduct business. Kind of a pain sometimes, but it is working so far. If I can ever figure out a way to appease both the HOA and BATFE...